I love the freedom and fun that comes with doing a fantasy photo shoot where I can be anyone or be anywhere. it is very freeing, especially when I am so shy and fearful in my personal life.
I never imagined that something as simple as dressing up in a costume could change how I see myself, but that’s exactly what happened when I started doing fantasy and cosplay photoshoots. For someone like me—a 24-year-old woman carrying the weight of a traumatic past and struggling with anxiety—it felt like stepping into another world where I wasn’t defined by my fears. It became my escape, my therapy, and my source of strength.
Fear has been a constant companion in my life. It shapes how I walk through the world, how I interact with people, and how I see myself. But when I put on a costume—whether it’s the flowing cape of a powerful sorceress, or the battle gear of a fearless warrior—I feel like I’m becoming someone new.
Cosplaying a character is more than wearing an outfit; it’s about embodying the traits that character represents. For me, it’s been a way to explore bravery, resilience, and determination in a way I never thought possible. When I stand in front of the camera as a hero who saves the day or as a rebel who stands against impossible odds, I feel powerful—like I can finally leave behind the version of me that’s held back by fear.
One of the hardest parts of my trauma has been the way it’s stolen my confidence. For years, I felt invisible, like I wasn’t worth noticing. But something magical happens when you see yourself as someone else through the lens of a camera.
During my first photoshoot, I was terrified. Standing in front of a camera felt so vulnerable, and I worried I wouldn’t measure up. But when I saw the final photos, I couldn’t believe it was me staring back—fierce, radiant, and unapologetically strong. That version of myself looked fearless, and it made me wonder if maybe, just maybe, I could start seeing myself that way too.
Each photoshoot became a little easier, and with every costume and every character, I began to reclaim a part of myself. These moments of confidence on camera have started to bleed into my everyday life. Now, when I walk into a room, I remind myself of the warrior or adventurer I’ve been in my shoots. And it works—I feel just a little braver.
What I love most about fantasy and cosplay is how they let me escape. I’ve spent so much of my life feeling trapped by my past, replaying old memories and anxieties. But when I’m dressed as a mythical queen standing in a misty forest or something else, my mind can finally quiet down.
These shoots are like stepping into a different universe. They give me permission to leave behind the heaviness of reality and let my imagination take over. For those hours, I’m not the scared girl with too many regrets—I’m a hero, a dreamer, someone who matters.
This escape isn’t just temporary; it’s healing. I’ve learned to use these characters as a way to process my feelings. When I play someone who faces impossible odds, I remind myself that I’ve overcome my own. And when I embody characters who are unapologetically bold, it helps me believe that I can be that way, too.
Before doing these types of shoots, I often felt like I was on the outside looking in. Social anxiety has made it hard for me to connect with others, and my past has left me hesitant to trust. But this community is different.
When I show up to a photoshoot, we are all there for the same reason: to create something magical. The photographer, the stylist, — they’re all so supportive. No one judges you if your costume isn’t perfect or if you’re still learning. Instead, they cheer you on and celebrate your creativity.
I’ve met some of the kindest people through these shoots. It feels amazing to be part of something bigger than myself, to share my love for stories and characters with people who understand. Slowly, I’ve started to trust again, and for someone like me, that’s a big deal.
These shoots have also given me a way to express emotions I’ve struggled to put into words. When I choose a character to portray, it’s often because something about their story resonates with me. Maybe they’ve faced betrayal, fought through impossible pain, or defied expectations—just like I’m trying to do.
Through the costumes, the poses, and the photos, I get to tell a story. And in a way, it helps me tell my own story, too. The time and effort I put into creating each look—choosing the fabric, designing props, working on makeup—give me a sense of control over something when so much of my life has felt out of my hands.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned through fantasy and cosplay photoshoots is that I don’t have to be defined by what’s happened to me. I’ve spent so many years feeling small and scared, but cosplay has shown me that I can be bigger, braver, and bolder than I ever thought.
Every time I put on a costume and step in front of a camera, I’m choosing to rewrite my story. I’m letting myself dream and play and explore. And most importantly, I’m proving to myself that I’m more than my past.
Fantasy and cosplay have given me the freedom to imagine a different version of myself—and to believe that I can become her. For that, I’ll always be grateful.